Method and applicator for applying primer/cleaner for single ply roofing systems

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for dispensing liquids on roofing membranes and surfaces for cleaning and priming areas for the application of roofing accessories and seams. Also disclosed is a method of applying primers and cleaners to roofing membranes using the liquid dispensing apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid applicators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus for applying primers and cleaners to roofing membranes and surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Primers and cleaners for use on roofing membranes are currently supplied in pails or cans. The pails or cans are usually opened on the roof and applied by hand using a rag, pad or brush. This technique usually requires the roofer to be on his hands and knees, and almost always results in an uneven application of the primer or cleaner on the roofing membrane. Additionally, application of the primer or cleaner using a rag, pad or brush very often results in contact of the skin with the primer or cleaner. Depending on the type and concentration of the material being applied, many primers and cleaners are strong solvents or are caustic and can irritate or burn the roofer's hands and skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus in the form of a container fitted with an applicator element that can meter the flow of a liquid from the container on to a roofing membrane. The applicator element facilitates the uniform application of the primer, cleaner or other material upon a roofing surface, and in a manner that avoids contact with the roofer's hands and skin.

In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus is provided with a pad or sponge-like applicator element to distribute and spread the liquid onto the roofing membrane or surface. The sponge-like applicator does not, however, absorb or dissolve the liquid within itself Typically, a user applies the liquid by inverting and squeezing a flexible container attached to the applicator element.

In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus is provided with a squeeze implement in place of the pad or sponge-like applicator.

In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container housing positioned on a handle that extends from a user's hand to a surface, such as a roofing surface, when the user is in an upright, standing position. The container inserted in the housing is generally filled with cleaner or primer for dissemination on a roofing membrane or surface. A lever positioned near the grip portion of the handle is connected to a plunger or impingement element in or on the housing. When a user is holding the grip portion and applies pressure to the lever, the impingement element or plunger acts on the container in the housing and forces the extrusion of the liquid in the container. An applicator element or squeegee implement attached at the bottom end of the handle opposite the grip portion is then used to uniformly spread the liquid on the roofing membrane or surface.

In still another embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container housing positioned on a handle that extends from a user's hand to a surface, such as a roofing surface, when the user is in an upright, standing position. The container inserted in the housing is generally filled with cleaner or primer for dissemination on a roofing membrane or surface. A lever positioned near the grip portion of the handle is connected to a spray element or nozzle located at the end of the handle near the roofing surface. When a user is holding the grip portion and applies pressure to the lever, the spray nozzle is activated, which in turn, emits a stream or mist of cleaner or primer on to the roofing surface. An applicator element or squeegee implement attached at the bottom end of the handle opposite the grip portion is then used to uniformly spread the liquid on the roofing membrane or surface.

In a modification of the immediately preceding embodiment, the housing is provided with wheels to support the weight of a larger and heavier container, and such that the container can be rolled on the roof surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 having a conduit element;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a modification to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in which wheels are included on the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is directed to a liquid dispensing apparatus which facilitates the application of liquid materials, such as primers and cleaners, to roofing membranes. As used herein, roofing membranes includes roofing materials and other surfaces. The liquid dispensing apparatus of the present application is uniquely suited for cleaning and priming roofing membranes and for applying roofing accessories and seams thereto. A non-limiting list of accessories for application on a roof includes T-joint patches, cover tape, seam tape, molded corners and pipe boots.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a liquid dispensing apparatus 10 comprises a hollow container 12 for holding a volume of a particular liquid 111 to be applied to a roofing membrane or surface. An applicator element 14 is used in conjunction with container 12, and may be integral with or attached to container 12 in a variety of ways such as, for example, by screwing or snapping on to container 12. A conduit 16 or aperture, which may be in the form of a neck portion of container 12, provides communication between container 12 and applicator element 14 and through which liquid 11 in container 12 may flow for extrusion therefrom. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a tube 18 may extend into liquid 11 in container 12 at a first end 20 and connect or attach at its second end 22 to applicator element 14

Applicator element 14 facilitates the application of liquid 11 to a roofing membrane or surface. Applicator element 14 may be a cloth, a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber, a felt pad, a brush, a sponge-type spreader, or other known material that which provides a coat of liquid 11 to be distributed on the desired surface. Additionally, applicator element 14 may regulate or meter the application of liquid 11 to the desired surface. The invention is not limited to the type of applicator element and other materials are contemplated by the present invention to apply the liquid to the surface or roofing membrane. In addition to the applicator element, conduit 16 may play a role in the metering of liquid on to applicator element, which is then applied to the desired surface. In one embodiment, liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is intended to cover an area in the range of approximately 50-100 square inches. The invention is not, however, limited in this regard, and liquid dispensing apparatus 10 may cover areas larger and smaller than the aforementioned range.

Container 12 is not limited in its size or shape, nor in the volume of liquid that it may hold. In a preferred embodiment, container 12 holds a volume in the range of approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of a desired liquid. More preferably, container 12 holds a volume of approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of a desired liquid.

As recited, liquid dispensing apparatus 10 may be used for application of primers and cleaners to a roofing surface. Preferred liquids, include, but are not limited to: Heptanes, Toluene, Methyl Alcohol, Hexane, Xylene, Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate, Polymethylene Polyphenol Isocyanate, Ethylbenzene, Naphtha, Hydrocarbon Resins and Halogenated Butyl, as well as mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, paint, adhesives and other similar materials. These liquids can be used individually or in various mixtures with each other or with additional ingredients.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is provided with a squeegee implement 24. A conventional squeegee is typically provided with a relatively flexible squeegee blade 25 positioned on a transverse head 26. In this embodiment, liquid 11 in container 12 may be applied to a surface via conduit 16 in container 12. Subsequently, the squeegee implement 24 is drawn across the wetted surface to provide an even and uniform coat of liquid on the surface.

In an alternative embodiment, container 12 may be configured with a chamber (not shown) within which an ampule is received and which contains a fixed or “one-time use” amount of primer or cleaning liquid. In use, the liquid containing ampule is broken or ruptured causing the primer or cleaning liquid to be expelled therefrom on to the roofing membrane. The liquid is then spread on the roofing membrane by applicator element 14 or squeegee implement 24 on container 12.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, container 12 is removably connected to a housing 36 positioned on an extended handle 28 having a first end 30 and a second end 32. First end 30 of handle 28 includes a grip 34 that is configured to be easily gripped and manipulated by a user. An applicator element 14 or squeegee 24 (not shown in FIG. 4) is attached at second end 32 of handle 28. Container 12 is preferably mounted upside down in housing 36 on handle 28, such that liquid 11 in container 12 would flow out therefrom. Arrow X in FIG. 4 indicates the positioning and insertion of container 12 into housing 36. Housing 36, in one embodiment, includes an impingement element or plunger element (not shown) which is connected via cable 38 to a lever 40 positioned proximate to grip 34 at first end 30 of handle 28. In use, a roofer or other user, grasps grip 34 and places his fingers around lever 40. In this manner, handle 28 is extending downward towards the surface to be coated. Applicator element 14 or squeegee 24 attached at second end 32 of handle 28 is positioned to contact the surface to be coated. When the user squeezes or applies pressure on lever 40, the impingement element or plunger element applies pressure on container 12 and causes liquid 11 to flow out therefrom onto the surface. The impingement element or plunger element may be activated by cable 38 which constricts when lever 40 is squeezed by the user. The user then pushes handle 28 back and forth, as if mopping a floor, to cause applicator element 14 and/or squeegee 24 to spread the liquid on the surface. In another embodiment, both an applicator element 14 and a squeegee may be attached to second end 32 of handle 28.

Alternatively, when lever 40 is squeezed, impingement element may displace a cap or cover from the opening of container 12 to allow the liquid in container 12 to be ejected on to the surface.

In still another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, when lever 40 is squeezed, liquid 11 in container 12 is sprayed outward from a spray element 42 onto the roofing surface (indicated by the dashed lines extending from spray element 42). Any spraying mechanism known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized such that the squeezing of lever 40 causes liquid 11 to be sprayed in a stream or mist on to the roofing surface as desired. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, when the user squeezes or applies pressure on lever 40, cable 38 constricts and causes liquid 11 to be sprayed from spray element 42 onto the surface.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, container 12 may alternatively be fixed within housing 36. Container 12 fixed in housing 36 will be provided with a lid or opening (not shown) into which liquid 11 is poured to fill container 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment which is a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 6, housing 36 is provided with wheels 44 so as to support the weight of large or heavy container 12 and to facilitate rolling on the roofing surface.

Accordingly, it should be readily appreciated that the article of manufacture and method of the present invention has many practical applications. Additionally, although the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a container of a primer, cleaning liquid, paint, adhesive or similar material; and b. an applicator element for applying the fluid from the container to the roofing membrane.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a conduit portion extending between the container and applicator element.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the applicator element is a pad for spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the pad is selected from the group consisting of felt, brush, sponge, cloth, or a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the applicator element is a squeegee implement.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.
 7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the primer or cleaning liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins, halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a chamber for receiving an ampule containing the primer or cleaning fluid.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the container further comprises an impingement element for breaking the ampule, such that the breaking of the ampule causes the liquid to flow out from the container on to the applicator for application on the roofing membrane.
 11. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a container of a primer or cleaning liquid; and b. a squeegee implement for spreading the primer or cleaning liquid on the roofing membrane.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising a conduit portion extending between the container and squeegee implement.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the primer or cleaning liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 16. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a handle having a first end and second end; b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle; c. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle; d. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising a container configured to be inserted in the housing.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the container is removably secured in the housing.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the container is fixed in the housing.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the container fixed in the housing is further provided with a lid and/or opening to permit liquid to be poured into the container.
 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the housing is positioned on the handle to permit insertion of the container and wherein the container permits ejection of its contents.
 22. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the housing is provided with wheels to support a large and/or heavy container.
 23. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.
 24. The apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.
 25. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the liquid comprises primer or cleaner for application to roofing membranes.
 26. The apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 27. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the grip portion further comprises a lever attached via a cable to an impingement element positioned on the housing.
 28. The apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein the application of pressure to the lever constricts the cable such that the impingement element impinges on at least a portion of the container inserted in the housing to cause the liquid in the container to be ejected.
 29. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a handle having a first end and second end; b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle; c. a lever connected to the handle and extending from the grip portion; d. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle; e. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end; and f. a spraying element connected to the housing at the second end of the handle.
 30. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising a container configured to be inserted in the housing.
 31. The apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein the container is removably secured in the housing.
 32. The apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein the container is fixed in the housing.
 33. The apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the container fixed in the housing is further provided with a lid or opening to permit liquid to be poured into the container.
 34. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the application of pressure to the lever activates the spraying element and causes the liquid to be expelled from the housing in a mist or stream on to the roofing membrane.
 35. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 1 oz to 25 gallons of liquid.
 36. The apparatus as recited in claim 35, wherein the container has a volume capable of holding from approximately 3 oz to 1 gallon of liquid.
 37. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the liquid comprises primer or cleaner for application to roofing membranes.
 38. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 39. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the housing is provided with wheels to support a large and/or heavy container.
 40. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a container having a chamber to receive an ampule containing a primer or cleaning liquid; and b. an applicator element for applying the fluid from the container to the roofing membrane.
 41. The apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein the applicator element is a pad for spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane.
 42. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the pad is selected from the group consisting of felt, brush, sponge, cloth, or a woven or non-woven synthetic or natural fiber.
 43. The apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein the applicator element is a squeegee implement.
 44. The apparatus as recited in claim 40, further comprising an impingement element for breaking the ampule, such that the breaking of the ampule causes the liquid to flow out from the container on to the roofing membrane.
 45. The apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein the liquid in the ampule is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 46. A method of applying liquid to a roofing membrane, comprising the steps of: a. filling a container having an applicator element with a primer or cleaning liquid; b. flipping the container such that the applicator element contacts the roofing membrane causing the liquid to flow out of the container onto the roofing membrane; c. spreading the liquid on the roofing membrane using the applicator element.
 47. The method as recited in claim 46, wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of heptanes, toluene, methyl alcohol, hexane, xylene, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenol isocyanate, ethylbenzene, naphtha, hydrocarbon resins or halogenated butyl, mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, ethanol, acetone, or paint or similar materials.
 48. The method as recited in claim 46, further comprising the step of: d. installing a roofing accessory on the area of the roofing membrane to which the liquid was spread.
 49. An apparatus for dispensing liquids on a roofing membrane, comprising: a. a handle having a first end and second end; b. a grip portion at the first end of the handle; c. a lever connected to the handle and extending from the grip portion; d. an applicator element positioned on the second end of the handle; e. a housing positioned on a portion of the handle extending between the first end and the second end; f. wheels connected to the housing; g. a container configured to be positioned in the housing; h. a spraying element connected to the housing at the second end of the handle.
 50. The apparatus as recited in claim 49, wherein the wheels connected to the housing support the weight of a larger and/or heavier container.
 51. The apparatus as recited in claim 49, wherein the wheels facilitate rolling of the apparatus on the roofing membrane. 